The project they created and organised was a Greenhouse Gig Fashion Show. They made clothes out of recycled materials which represented issues affecting our environment.

Special thanks to all our models from Transition Year who helped us out so much. Thanks so much to Ms. O’Neill for all your support and Alannah Stritch who documented our actions as our own personal photographer on the day.

From The Eco UNESCO Peer Education Team

Ailbhe Kelly gives us an insight into the groups experiences of Eco Unesco:

We first heard about Eco UNESCO in September from Ms. O’Neill who received a letter inviting transition year students to join a course about Sustainable Development. Not exactly sure what to expect, myself and a few other girls from the year applied for a place in this twelve week program.  Myself and four other girls; Sadhbh Hegarty, Mary Maedhbh Park, Helen Sweeney and Laura Guihen successfully completed the twelve week course. We went along on the Wednesday to the Greenhouse on Andrew St for our first group session, and we loved it!

Throughout the 12 week course we learnt a lot and participated in many action projects such as an environmental trip to Phoenix park, an Urban Safari and a wave protest.On the 5^th December Eco unesco participated in a public wave demonstration in the city centre near the Dáil to protest for a our say in the upcoming Copenhagen Conference. We also recently interviewed John Gormley in Leinster House with questions related to the Copenhagen Conference.

After attending the twelve week course we are now qualified peer educators and will begin facilitating group sessions for the new class on our own next month!

The Greenhouse Gig

We decided to hold an eco fashion show and concert in the Greenhouse which would promote issues of sustainable development to our peers. We hand-made all outfits out of recycled materials from old school socks to bottle caps!   We also had a few bands playing at the gig along with the themed fashion show. The night was a huge success and we have been asked to perform our show again For the Young Environmentalist Awards in the Mansion House.

By Ailbhe Kelly

Press Coverage

Evening Herald 10/05/2010

Southside People 10/05/2010

It began at 10 am in Dublin Castle. There was two rounds of judging which were quite hard as they were time limited. Throughout the day there was entertainment and refreshments provided. The award ceremony began after a three course meal. Aidan Power, presenter of the Cafe on RTE, was our host. Keynote speaker was Minister Eamon Ryan who came to our school three years ago to present prize giving.

Twenty teams were chosen from all over Ireland and the standard was very high. They started with the Junior Section which was the section we, as 2nd years, were in but there was no sign of our names being mentioned. We were happy with getting to the final but still a little disappointed. Then they moved on to the Senior Section followed by the overall winners of the whole competition… and we were announced as winners. We couldn’t believe we won competing against senior projects. It was an amazing day.

We want to thank Ms Bowe, Ms Dunne and The Green Committee also the 1st years, 2nd year art students and TY Photoshop class for all their help and support throughout our campaign. We’d also like to thank all the parents who have stopped parking in the cycle lane outside the school. Thank you for supporting the campaign. We won  €1,500 for the school, an ipod each and itunes vouchers. We received a plaque for the wall and a trophy. Thank you to Kathryn Poxon our Green Schools Travel Education Officer from An Taisce, who has been a constant support (emailing, providing prizes) and will be here next week giving the Dr. Bike workshops with Rothar for Bike Week. Thank you to the Power of One facilitators – the competition was really well organised.

Irish Times Press Coverage 7th May 2010

Raising the Water Flag

Loreto High School Beaufort are delighted to announce that we have been awarded the Water Flag award.

Pictured to the right is the deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin raising the Water Flag in Beaufort.

Part of the work towards earning the award included students learning about the water cycle, the dangerous issues of water pollution, and the importance of conserving water.

For more detail read the report published by Claire Hinch, Environmental Awareness Section, Dublin County Council